The Cost of a Trip: Driving from Columbia, Maryland to Dover, Delaware

Introduction

Planning a trip from Columbia, Maryland to Dover, Delaware involves considering not only the time it takes to travel but also the cost. One major cost to consider is the price of gas, which fluctuates regularly. In this article, we will explore the different routes from Columbia to Dover, the current gas prices, and the cost of the trip for each route.

Route Options

Route 1: I-95 S and DE-1

The first route option from Columbia, Maryland to Dover, Delaware is to take I-95 S and DE-1. This route is approximately 85 miles and takes around 1 hour and 30 minutes to drive, depending on traffic. The current gas price along this route is $2.80 per gallon, and the average car gets around 25 miles per gallon. This means the cost of gas for this route would be approximately $9.52 each way.

Route 2: US-301 S and DE-1

Another route option is to take US-301 S and DE-1 from Columbia to Dover. This route is approximately 90 miles and takes around 1 hour and 40 minutes to drive, again depending on traffic. The current gas price along this route is also $2.80 per gallon, and the average car gets around 25 miles per gallon. This means the cost of gas for this route would be approximately $9.80 each way.

Route 3: MD-279 S and DE-1

The third route option is to take MD-279 S and DE-1 from Columbia to Dover. This route is approximately 95 miles and takes around 1 hour and 45 minutes to drive, depending on traffic. The current gas price along this route is $2.80 per gallon, and the average car gets around 25 miles per gallon. This means the cost of gas for this route would be approximately $10.08 each way.

Best Route Recommendation

After analyzing the different route options and considering the cost of gas, the best route recommendation from Columbia, Maryland to Dover, Delaware is Route 1, which involves taking I-95 S and DE-1. While this route is slightly shorter in distance and time compared to Route 2 and Route 3, the cost of gas is slightly less, making it the most cost-effective option.

Conclusion

Taking Route 1 from Columbia, Maryland to Dover, Delaware involves driving approximately 85 miles and takes around 1 hour and 30 minutes. With the current gas price at $2.80 per gallon, the cost of gas for this route would be approximately $9.52 each way. So, in total, for a round trip, the cost of gas would be around $19.04. The total cost of the trip will vary based on the car's fuel efficiency and any potential tolls along the route, but considering the current gas prices and distance, Route 1 can be the most cost-effective option for travelers.